How do I upgrade from OS 9.0 to 10.3?

I have an iBook G3, which I tried to update years ago, ran into problems, and ended up wiping it clean and reinstalling OS 9.0 using the CD it came with. I have both CDs 1 and 2 of OS X 10.3 Install in file format only (.dmg) which it cannot read, and I doubt it would even if I burnt them onto CDs. It does not have an AirPort card (which may or may not be relevant, because it doesn't have a working browser it seems). I'm assuming I can't go straight from 9.0 to 10.3... I read that it's best to update to 9.2 first, and possibly update the firmware as well.

What approach should I take? Try to find a browser that will work (from another computer) and use a USB stick and then download updates directly to the clamshell? or could this all be done by getting everything I need on the other computer and bring things over one at a time by USB stick?

What software or whatever would I need to get me to the 9.2, and when I get there, what's would be the best way to get me to the 10.3? I have the OS X 10.3 install dvds as well, but keep in mind this only has a CD drive, not dvd (although I have a powerbook G4 and ibook G4, both not working and both with cd/dvd drives if there is anyway they might be compatible).

3 Answers

The Gray installation disks are machine specific. You cannot install a system for a iBook G4 on an iBook G3. However you might be able to clone a system onto it (I'm not sure if this will work but it's worth a try.) Boot the machine up in Target Mode with your G4that the disks were made for, you can try to install directly or try cloning the G4 system onto the G3. Use something like SuperDuper to clone: http://www.shirt-pocket.com/SuperDuper/S...

First, you'd have to download an Apple Firmware upgrade from apple.com and run it from OS 9 so that the video card will work with OS X. If you don't do it, you will get a blank screen at the reboot after installing OS X. I forget now which firmware number it is, but it shouldn't be too hard to find out. It's there in Apple's website.

Next make sure you have at least 256 MB RAM. Your machine takes a maximum of 512 MB RAM chip. You can use PC100 or PC133 chips. Either will work.

Last, make sure your OS 10.3 installer works in that machine.You will have to use another Mac to expand the dmg (disk image) and burn the contents to a cd. Boot from disk 1 by holding C as you power up before the welcome chime is heard.

I find that the best results are obtained if you do a clean install. An upgrade install may work, but it could turn out to be unstable to use. Also an upgrade installation will leave many junk files behind.

Yes, you may create a bootable cd from your dmg file but as Mayer has said, it may not work for your machine as the disks may be machine specific. Don't forget to do the firmware upgrade first, though.

I've got the firmware update 4.1.7 DiskCopy on 9.0 can't read it. I can't seem to upgrade to 9.1 either. Software Updater can't find any updates (although I'm not entirely sure that I am connected to the internet, because my browsers are too slow/outdated/searching on sites that don't exist and I don't know how to change it, etc.) I've got 10.3 on a bootable USB now, but still it can't read it (even if I reboot and hold option). Sooo.... question is, what do I do next??